U.S. Department of Education Recognizes Eight Minnesota Schools as 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools
ROSEVILLE, MN - The U.S. Department of Education today recognized eight Minnesota schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020 based on their overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups.
“Every single educator and school staff member across the state is working tremendously hard to ensure that our students are receiving the best education possible,” said Governor Tim Walz. “During this unusual school year, I am especially proud to celebrate these eight Blue Ribbon schools and their commitment to go above and beyond for our students.”
“Now more than ever it is imperative that we focus on maintaining high-quality teaching and learning environments for our students,” said Minnesota Education Commissioner Mary Cathryn Ricker. “I am incredibly proud to recognize of Minnesota’s eight Blue Ribbon school awardees, and the educators and school staff for all they do to make create environments where our students can thrive.”
The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content. Schools are honored in one of two performance categories, based on all student scores, student group scores and graduation rates:
- Exemplary High Performing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools, as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
- Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools are among their state’s highest performing schools in closing achievement gaps between a school’s student groups and all students.
The recognized schools from Minnesota are:
- Centennial Elementary School, Centennial Public School District
- Grey Cloud Elementary School, South Washington County Schools
- Highland Elementary School, Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District
- Houston Elementary School, Houston Public School District
- Jefferson Elementary School, Mankato Public School District
- Richmond Elementary School, ROCORI Public School District
- James Northside Elementary School, St. James Public Schools
- Sunset Hill Elementary, Wayzata Public School District
Now in its 38th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed recognition on more than 9,000 schools. On November 12 and 13, the U.S. Secretary and Department of Education will celebrate with 317 public and 50 nonpublic school honorees at a virtual awards ceremony.
Learn more about the National Blue Ribbon School Program.
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